Recode Code Conference 2018
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About this appearance
A tense Code Conference interview during peak 'production hell' — Tesla was struggling to produce 5,000 Model 3s per week. Swisher challenged him directly on his media attacks, SEC risk, and workforce treatment. Musk admitted the Model 3 ramp had been the hardest thing he'd ever done but maintained the company would succeed. Notably, he discussed his ongoing conflict with journalists and proposed a credibility-rating platform for news — a precursor to his later media battles.
Topics
Memorable moments
Admits the Model 3 ramp is 'the most difficult thing I've ever done — like chewing glass and looking into the abyss.'
Proposes 'Pravda' — a public credibility rating system for journalists — live on stage, generating significant backlash from media.
Defends sleeping on the Fremont factory floor: 'People sometimes mistake my presence on the factory floor as micromanaging. It's the opposite — it's showing I'm willing to share the burden.'
